Tarragon: Harvesting for Maximum Flavor
What is Tarragon?
Tarragon is a delicious herb with a unique licorice-like flavor. It’s a perennial herb, meaning it comes back year after year. Tarragon is grown for its flavorful leaves, which are rich in essential oils.
When to Harvest Tarragon
The best time to harvest tarragon is when its essential oils are at their peak. This is usually early in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day. You can start harvesting tarragon as soon as the plant has enough leaves to sustain itself. However, it’s important to leave at least 1/3 of the foliage on the plant so it can continue to grow.
How to Harvest Tarragon
There are a few things to keep in mind when harvesting tarragon:
- Use sharp kitchen shears or scissors. Do not use your fingers, as this can bruise the leaves and release their aromatic oils.
- Snip off the newer baby shoots of light green leaves. Tarragon produces new growth on the old woody branches.
- Gently wash the shoots with cool water and pat them dry.
- Remove the individual leaves by sliding your fingers down the length of the shoot. Use these leaves immediately, as they will lose their flavor quickly.
- You can also individually snip the leaves off the shoot. These can be used immediately or stored in a freezer bag and frozen.
- The entire sprig can also be stored in a glass with a bit of water at the bottom. This will keep the tarragon fresh for a few days.
How to Store Tarragon
There are several ways to store tarragon:
- Fresh tarragon: Store fresh tarragon in a glass with a bit of water at the bottom, like a flower in a vase. You can also wrap the tarragon in a damp paper towel and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Dried tarragon: To dry tarragon, hang the shoots in a cool, dry area. Once the tarragon is dry, store it in a container with a tight-fitting lid or in a plastic bag with a zip top. Dried tarragon will keep for up to a year.
- Frozen tarragon: You can also freeze tarragon. To do this, snip the leaves off the shoots and place them in a freezer bag. Frozen tarragon will keep for up to 6 months.
Tips for Harvesting Tarragon
- Harvest tarragon regularly. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth.
- Be careful not to over-harvest tarragon. If you harvest too much, the plant may become stressed and produce less flavorful leaves.
- Tarragon’s leaves begin to yellow in the fall. This is a sign that the plant is going dormant for the winter. Cut the stalks back to 3-4 inches above the crown of the plant to prepare it for the next growing season.
Additional Information
- Tarragon is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, stews, and sauces.
- Tarragon is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
- Tarragon is a relatively easy herb to grow. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
